Aug 26, 2015 5 min read

The wheels on the bus go round and round, but you’d better think twice before you move on past.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s most recent report, more than 1.5 million children across the state ride a school bus each day, and with classes back in session, you’re sure to see your share of iconic yellow school buses on your neighborhood roads. Before you meet those flashing red lights, be sure you’re up to speed on school bus safety guidelines.

You’ve likely seen the age-old school bus sign: “Unlawful to pass when red lights flash.” This is more than just a clever rhyme. Pennsylvania law requires you to stop when you “meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended.” According to the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the school bus and wait for the stop arm to be withdrawn and the red lights to stop flashing before proceeding. Additionally, vehicles are not allowed to move until children are safely out of the street.

Not complying with those laws will cost you. The current penalties for violating a Pennsylvania School Bus Stopping Law include a 60-day driver’s license suspension, five points on your driving record and a $250 fine.

Whether you’re behind or approaching an oncoming school bus, giving the vehicle a little space is a good idea. Where school buses are, school children are bound to be also. Additionally, school buses tend to behave differently than other vehicles on the road. Esurance.com gives the following warnings:

School buses are required to stop at railroad crossings, so be ready to hit the brakes if you’re behind one.

School buses travel at slower speeds, so expect to slow down and only pass when the bus driver signals you to go by.

Pay attention to any stop signs or signals on the bus.

School buses are pretty hard to miss, but it’s important to be careful even if you don’t see a big yellow vehicle on the road. During the school year, more children are outside and on the street during the morning rush hour and again in the afternoon. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that children on their way to school might be preoccupied or walking in the street. The website recommends keeping an eye out for children who may dart out into traffic to catch the bus on time.

You may not be able to control other drivers on the street, but you can teach children to protect themselves by practicing safety around school buses and at school bus stops. PAKidsTraveSafe.org recommends teaching kids to arrive at the bus stop early, stay a good distance away from the street while waiting for the bus, wait for school bus lights to begin flashing before boarding and follow all bus rules while riding.

Remember, succeeding in school means getting there safely. Keep Pennsylvania’s streets — and children — safe this fall.

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Kristen Price has a journalism degree and has experience writing in a variety of fields, including art and culture, health and fitness and financial and real estate services. Kristen has written for USA Today, SFGate and the Knot.